The effect of temperature on the rate of reaction

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Introduction

Chemistry Coursework The effect of temperature on the rate of reaction Prediction I predict that as the temperature of the reactions increase, the time taken for a reaction to take place will decrease. The more heat in the flame, the more energy. This energy is transferred to the solution; the particles will therefore have more energy. Under high temperatures the particles move faster, vibrate quicker and more violently - the higher the temperature, the faster the particles move. Therefore, with the particles moving around quickly there is a higher chance that they will collide, the more successful collisions the quicker a reaction. The higher the temperature, the quicker the reaction will be. Apparatus Bunsen burner Tripod Gauze Sodium thiosulphate Hydrochloric acid Beaker Stopwatch Scrap paper Pen Method A cross is marked on the piece of paper and a beaker containing 15cm� of sodium thiosulphate solution is put on the cross. ...read more.

Middle

The beakers should be the same size, the same condition, and have been kept in the same environment before the experiment. This will ensure that the testing is fair: if the beakers are cooler before the experiment it will affect the rate of reaction; if the beakers are different sizes then this will also affect heat dispersion and the rate of reaction, therefore affecting the results. The experiments should both take place out of direct sunlight, so that the heat won't affect the results. A digital thermometer should be used as a conventional thermometer could be wrong, and also subject to human error. Convection currents would also have an effect upon the mixing of the solution, and I would have to ensure that there was no mixing of the solution as a result of movement of the thermometer. Results Temperature (�c) ...read more.

Conclusion

Conclusion It is evident that I was correct to predict that the rate of reaction increases as the temperature of the reactants increases. The cooler the hydrochloric acid, the longer it will take before the marked cross cannot be seen anymore. Although heating the hydrochloric acid increases the speed of the reaction the temperature of the beaker and room also have an adverse affect on the rate of the reaction. Evaluation The experiment went wrong the first time, but the second experiment backs up the prediction, and shows it to be right. The results show the prediction to be true. As the temperature rises, so does the rate of reaction. I think it would have been better had the experiment been repeated a number of times at least 3, and the average temperature changes used as the results. If I were to do this experiment again this is what I would do. Andrew Wright 11P ...read more.

testing, and to control it I will make sure that I carefully measure all substances I use. * Particle size: this is a possible affect on the experiment and is controlled by the measures taken to control the concentration. * UV light exposure : does not really affect this experiment,